EMPEA invites emerging market private capital fund managers to participate in theSustainability & Operational Excellence Challenge by submitting their most impactful deal. EMPEA and our Member firms share in the belief that private capital fund managers can play a critical role in creating value in portfolio companies through active management and delivering positive externalities to the communities in which these companies operate.

The top three finalists will be given the opportunity to share their case studies at the inaugural Sustainable Investing in Emerging Markets summit, co-hosted by EMPEA and the Financial Times, which will take place on 25 October 2016 in London.

After the finalists have presented their case studies, members of the audience will vote on the winner of the Operational and Sustainability Challenge, which will be announced live at the Summit.

Submissions must be received by 9 September 2016. Finalists shall be notified by 5 October 2016.

Join the conversation at the Sustainable Investing in Emerging Markets summit with leading investors across growth regions about gaining the competitive edge through the implementation of sustainable investment practices at the fund level and within the portfolio company, and see why LPs increasingly expect private equity firms to consider ESG factors into their investment strategies.

Join us for our next iterations of this global series in London, Mumbai and Hong Kong

Last month, EMPEA traveled to Rio de Janeiro to attend the ABVCAP Annual Conference 2016, as well as co-host with ABVCAP the Brazil edition of EMPEA’s global Fundraising Masterclass series. The Masterclass convened an engaged group of mid- to senior-level GPs at various stages of the fundraising trail, in addition to those looking to benefit from the discussions on best practices and market trends while gearing up for the next fundraise. Both attendees and the faculty of experienced GPs, LPs and industry advisors agreed that Brazil is headed for an upward swing after difficult conditions over the past year. While fund managers with dry powder will have ample opportunities to invest, those currently fundraising were especially concerned about securing commitments from local sources, a previous driver of market activity.

At the ABVCAP Conference, attendance was strong and optimism flourished, as delegates were eager to examine the opportunities on the rise for this counter-cyclical industry. Secondaries firms, although their presence is still nascent in Latin America, played a more prominent role at this year’s event than in the past.

The Brazilian PE industry called upon government officials and regulators to build a more predictable country in order to get to the roots of the problems it faces, highlighting issues from budget governance, meritocracy, tax reform and declines in credit and infrastructure investment. Deltan Dallagnol, lead prosecutor in the Operation Lava Jato investigation into corruption allegations at Petrobras, emphasized that Brazil is at a turning point and needs to see this as an opportunity for real political reform and increased accountability of officials. In a sound bite that resonated with the PE crowd, he said, “Brazil can only reach the possible by aiming for the impossible.”

Tanzania-based solar electricity provider Off Grid Electric has raised a total of US$18 million from Africa-focused private investment firm Helios Investment Partners and impact investment firm responsAbility Investments. Helios committed US$10 million and responsAbility provided US$8 million in debt financing. The firms’ investments will be used to support the rollout of Off Grid’s distributed solar home and batteries product.

Venture capital firm Sequoia Capital has led an INR800 million (approximately US$12 million) Series E round for India-based online health products vendor Healthkart. Philanthropic investment firm Omidyar Network and India-focused venture capital firm Kae Capital also participated in the round. Healthkart will use the new capital to support its marketing initiatives and offline expansion.

Sub-Saharan Africa-focused impact investment group Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) and development finance institution Proparco have participated in a US$2.2 million Series A round for South Africa-based private school network Enko Education. Each investor committed US$1.1 million. Enko will use the new capital to fund the operation of its existing schools, as well as launch new schools. Separately, I&P invested in Ethiopia-based water and fruit juice producer Baraji and Côte d’Ivoire-based independent broadcaster Africa Radio. Financial details of the transactions were not disclosed. I&P invested in all three companies through I&P Afrique Entrepreneurs.

China-based online English education platform VIPKID has raised a US$100 million Series C round of funding from private equity firm Yunfeng Capital and venture capital firm Sequoia Capital. At least one other undisclosed venture capital firm also participated. VIPKID will use the new funding to acquire more users in the five- to twelve-year-old age group and to hire more English teachers outside of China.

Rakuten Ventures, the corporate venture arm of Japanese e-commerce and internet company Rakuten, has led a US$35 million Series B round for Singapore-based online market application Carousell. Venture capital firms Sequoia Capital, Golden Gate Ventures and 500 Startups also participated in the round. Carousell will use the new capital to expand internationally.

Private equity firm Nordwind Capital has led a financing round for Iran-based online printing services provider ChapAgha.com (Mr. Print). The company will use the new capital to acquire new printers, expand its product line and develop a mobile application. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

EMPEA Immersions, our LP Executive Briefings with Fund Manager Members, has currently facilitated over 350 LP:GP meetings worldwide. EMPEA Fund Managers, we are currently accepting applications for our October (North America) trip and our December (Asia) trip, and space is limited to a maximum of 10 Fund Managers per trip. To apply or request more information, please contact Randy Mitchell at mitchellr@empea.net.

Join over 500 senior industry professionals, including 150+ LPs, from more than 40 countries for EM PE Week in London. Package rates are available for Sustainable Investing in Emerging Markets 2016 and Private Equity in Africa 2016. EMPEA Members receive additional discounts and Qualified LPs* register for free!

Presented with the Financial Times
InterContinental Park Lane
LondonLearn more »

Complimentary places available for qualified institutional investors and special rates available for EMPEA Members. There are also discounted package rates with the Private Equity in Africa leadership summit.

Co-hosted by EMPEA, Financial Times and Debevoise & Plimpton
No. 4 Hamilton Place
LondonLearn more »

This exclusive networking event for EMPEA Members and invited guests is held during EM PE Week in London 25-27 October 2016. For more information or to register for EM PE Week in London, please click here.

Presented with the Financial Times
InterContinental Park Lane
LondonLearn more »

Complimentary places available for qualified institutional investors and special rates available for EMPEA Members. There are also discounted package rates with the Sustainable Investing in Emerging Markets leadership summit.

MCE Social Capital (MCE) is seeking a small and medium enterprise (“SME”) Portfolio Manager who will support all aspects of MCE’s SME and microfinance portfolio operations, including: financial analysis, due diligence, loan approval process and monitoring.

For more information, including responsibilities and qualifications, please click here.

About EMPEA

EMPEA is the global industry association for private capital in emerging markets. We are an independent non-profit organization with over 300 member firms, comprising institutional investors, fund managers and industry advisors, who together manage more than US$1 trillion of assets and have offices in more than 100 countries across the globe. Our members share EMPEA’s belief that private capital is a highly suited investment strategy in emerging markets, delivering attractive long-term investment returns and promoting the sustainable growth of companies and economies. We support our members through global authoritative intelligence, conferences, networking, education and advocacy. For more information, visit empea.org.